David Hicks tastes a new life in Sydney

Shift in location ... David Hicks leaving Yatala Prison last year.Photo: David Mariuz

CONVICTED terrorism supporter David Hicks has been living in
Sydney for a fortnight in his bid to start a new life.

The man described by a federal magistrate last month as capable
of committing a terrorist act has been given special dispensation
to leave South Australia.

The Sun-Herald understands that Hicks, 32, has been
living with a female friend at Abbotsford, a waterfront suburb in
Sydney's inner west.

He has obtained a learner driver's licence and has been seen
driving around the suburb in the company of a female friend, with
L-plates attached to his car.

Hicks's lawyer, David McLeod, said the former Guantanamo Bay
inmate was being mentored by Australian adventurer Dick Smith, who
campaigned for a fair trial for the South Australian during Hicks's
five-year detention.

"David has developed a close relationship with Dick Smith," Mr
McLeod said.

Friends insisted Hicks's time in Sydney has not been spent
talking with publishers and media companies to sell his story but
was part of the process of getting his life back together.

Yesterday an Australian Federal Police spokeswoman confirmed the
man authorities tried to portray as the most serious threat to
Australia's security has been living in Sydney.

Hicks had earlier sought and received approval from the federal
police for the location of his stay.

It followed federal magistrate Warren Donald's decision on
February 19 to ease the conditions of his release from jail which
had restricted his activities to South Australia. It is understood
that Hicks flew to Sydney the day after the magistrate's
ruling.

"The AFP is aware that Mr Hicks is travelling in Sydney," the
spokeswoman said. She said he had complied with the obligations set
out under the control orders.

These conditions included reporting to a police station in
Sydney's inner west twice a week.

A night curfew, from 1am to 5am, had been imposed.

The crime manager in Burwood has been appointed as Hicks's
liaison officer. Hicks carries the officer's business card in case
he should encounter difficulties or be in need of help.

Yesterday NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas said the
force had been co-operating with the federal authorities. He
confirmed that Hicks had been reporting to a Sydney police
station.

"This is really the federal police's baby. We are just helping
out," Deputy Commissioner Kaldas said.

Hicks is believed to have scheduled a return to Adelaide this
weekend. Supporters are staying tight-lipped about any return to
Sydney.

Mr McLeod said his client had received widespread public support
since his release from Adelaide's Yatala Jail. He had been the
recipient of well wishes from the general public.

Asked about the identity of the female supporter seen in Mr
Hicks company in Sydney, Mr McLeod said his client had many
friends.

Terry Hicks declined to comment on the whereabouts of his
son.

"I can't say anything at the moment," Mr Hicks said. "The kid
has his own life to live."

As part of his conditions of release from Guantanamo Bay, Hicks
agreed not to speak to the media on a range of issues before March
30 this year. His control order will expire in December this year
unless the federal police apply to have it extended.

Hicks had been in custody since December 9, 2001, when he was
captured among Taliban forces in Afghanistan. He was transferred to
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he was held for more than five years,
mostly without charge.

On March 27 last year, he pleaded guilty at a controversial
United States military commission to a retrospectively created
charge of providing material support for terrorism. Under a plea
bargain, Hicks was handed a seven-year jail sentence with all but
nine months suspended.

He was released from Adelaide's Yatala Jail on December 30 last
year.

Mr Smith refused to comment when contacted yesterday about the
relationship with Hicks.

1204227062205-smh.com.auhttp://www.smh.com.au/news/national/david-hicks-tastes-a-new-life-in-sydney/2008/03/01/1204227062205.htmlsmh.com.auThe Sun-Herald2008-03-02David Hicks tastes a new life in SydneyHeath GilmoreNationalhttp://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/01/hicks_020308_narrowweb__300x446,0.jpg